Woods out of NB3 Challenge

It's no surprise, considering how much he battled a sore back this weekend, but Tiger Woods has pulled out of Wednesday's Notah Begah III Foundation Challenge at Turning Stone Resort's Atunyote Golf Club.

He will be replaced by Gary Woodland, who like Woods himself, made a gallant run at the title during the final round of The Barclays on Sunday.

"While we're disappointed Tiger is unable to play in this year's event, the important thing for Tiger is to make sure he's 100 percent healthy and not risk further injuring himself. We appreciate his unwavering support of our mission and look forward to having him with us here at Turning Stone in the future," said Begay in a press release.

"We are also excited to have a player as talented as Gary Woodland joining the field. He's one of the game's rising young stars and helps us maintain a field that's still our strongest in the six-year history of the NB3 Challenge, one that will help us draw attention to the critical work we're doing in Native communities every day."

Oneida Nation representative and Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter said, “We share Notah's best wishes to Tiger for his speedy recovery and in the meantime we look forward to welcoming Gary Woodland and hosting a world-class event for our fans.”

“I have spoken to Notah, and I would also like to express my personal regrets to the Oneida Indian Nation, sponsors and fans that I am unable to play in the Notah Begay III Foundation Challenge," said Woods. "Improving health and wellness in Native American children is an important and meaningful cause, and I want to commend Notah for his hard work and diligence. I’m certain it will be a very successful event.”

Woodland, who finished tied for second at The Barclay's, will take Woods' spot on Team USA in the three-team, twelve-player combined best-ball tournament. The support of elite golfers like Woods and Woodland, as well as the golf fans of central New York and the Oneida Indian Nation partnership, have helped raise more than $4 million at the NB3 Challenge in the past five years. All proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the Notah Begay III Foundation and its ongoing work in Native communities.